Vatican City
The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the
world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael
Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

Austria
Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital
is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and
incredible history & food. Go Now!

Ukraine
Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian
Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in France

Behavior

The French are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences
in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are somewhat understanding of various
cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted, although they may
be looked down upon.

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth,
or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above
others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to France, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in
like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our
France Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics,
such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

The traditional dress of France is heavily regional and was always changing. France
is and has been a leader in the fashion industry for some time so clothing trends
in the country have been in constant motion. None-the-less, there are some historical
clothing items that are widely recognized and often times considered to be "traditional
clothing" although most of them were never widely worn across the entire country
as it is today.

In generally, the women of France historically wore long dresses, while the men
wore pants and shirts. Many stereotypes of this dress comes from the region of Alsace,
where women generally wore a loose-fitting blouse with a wide skirt or dress and
a large bow or hat in their hair; the shirts were generally white, but the dress
could be in any color as black, red, and purple seemed to be popular. For men black
pants of knickers with a white shirt, red vest, and black hat was the traditional
outfit of Alsace. The Breton shirt, which is a simple white shirt with thin blue
horizontal stripes, was also common in areas as was the beret.

Today the Breton shirt and beret can still be seen, but the dress is much
more varied than this. Fashion is king in Paris and the clothing styles are always
changing, which leads to a significant amount of diversity. As a visitor to France
try to dress fashionably, but not in a way that you stand out. Also dress for the
occasion as churches require long pants and more conservative dress, while on the
other extreme little clothing seems to be the norm on the southern beaches (although
you should still put some clothes on when you leave these beaches). Although, sunbathing
naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always
be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so. Lastly, France has banned
the covering of one's face in public so any facial covering is illegal, including
the Islamic niqab.